Opposition 2019
Iranian society censors women on multiple levels - compulsory “hijab”, covering the body and having straight sexual orientation. Many women are in a conflicted state of following the rules of their families and society and fighting these limitations by pushing the boundaries and breaking the rules. I am looking for different ways to convey my concept to the viewer through contradiction and opposition. I painted two girls who are half naked, yet wearing hijab, laughing, in private, sexual poses. They are breaking the rules and so am I in making these paintings/drawings.
I have decided to bring Islamic pattern in my work. It can be read as the girl’s hair or as the hijab. When we choose not to wear the hijab it is still left as an imprint in us. The design or the tradition is part of us, embedded in us.
I introduce men and place them beside women in order to show the dominance of patriarchy and the way men oppress and squeeze women literally and metaphorically in Iranian society.
